Do I tune a Kimber Micro extractor the same as a full sized Kimber's extractor?

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Do I tune a Kimber Micro extractor the same as a full sized Kimber's extractor?

Just took my new Kimber Micro out for its first outing. Before going, I cleaned the gun and oiled it like I would my larger Kimbers. That cleaning and oiling included removing the extractor. I did not notice anything out of the ordinary about the extractor at that time.

I had 5 FTEs and 1 FTF within my first two boxes of ammo. At the time, I figured the problems were simply due to the gun being new. When I got home I cleaned and oiled the gun. After cleaning, I noticed that the extractor slid into its channel without any friction. In fact, the extractor slid all the way into the ejection port. This made reinstalling the firing pin stop very difficult. I think this looseness explains my FTE problems.

Has anyone seen this with the Micro? This is my first new Kimber. Is it common for new Kimber extractors to need tuning after just a hundred rounds?

Do I treat this Micro ejector the same as I would a full size ejector? I did have to put a little more tension into the extractor on my first generation commander sized Kimber before it would eject cleanly, but was used when I got it. It had quite a bit of mileage on it, unlike this Micro.

I have a Commander that came with an extractor as loose as that. It actually worked fine, in my hands anyway, but after a tiny hiccup in my wife's hands I thought it prudent to increase tension a bit, using the TLAR* method. No more problems. The shorter slide on your Kimber probably makes for less-forgiving timing, hence your issues.

*That Looks About Right

Too many people miss the silver lining because they're expecting gold.M. Setter

Also, since we are talking about a .380 ACP pistol, take a look at how the extractor hook engages the case rim (using an empty case of course). You may have issues there as well. It sounds like Kimber has left the final extractor fitting to the customer on this one.

"The 1911 was the design, given by God to us through John M. Browning, that represents the epitome of what a killing tool needs to be. It was true in 1911 and it's true now." - Col. Robert Coates commanding, U.S. Marine Corp Special Operations Command Detachment 1 (DET 1)

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